2013 has been a year of many changes, both on the Island and at RIOC. Since my appointment in April, I have gotten to know many of you on the Island. I look forward to continuing to work together toward accomplishing even more in the New Year. This past week, we have celebrated the tradition of lighting the tree at Blackwell Plaza as well as marked significant steps forward on Island construction projects. The application deadline for Public Purpose Funds is coming up – materials can be found on our website, along with a link to download the PSD Operational Audit Report.

Tree Lighting

RIOC would like to thank everyone who came out and made the 2013 Tree Lighting Ceremony a success. Despite the rainy weather, the community was in good spirits during musical performances by the Roosevelt Island Youth Program, The Child School, the Main Street Theatre and Dance Alliance, and Public Safety Officer Deborah Viel. RISA President Dolores Greene made the introductions at the Ceremony, followed by opening remarks from RIRA President Ellen Polivy. Many thanks as well to those Island businesses and organizations who generously contributed to the event: The Hudson Companies & The Related Companies, Urban American, The Octagon, Gristedes, Nonno's Focacceria, Trellis Diner, Fuji East, Coach Scot's Main Street Sweets, and Roosevelt Island's Starbucks.

Public Purpose Funds

The deadline to submit an application for Public Purpose Funds is drawing near – all submissions must be dropped off on or before Friday, January 10, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. Applications may be submitted to the RIOC offices (591 Main St.) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or to the Public Safety Department offices (550 Main St.) between the hours of 5 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on January 10, 2014. Further information and application materials are available online at rioc.ny.gov/grants.htm.

Construction

Restoration work is proceeding at the Good Shepherd Community Center on the entry doors and narthex area. As there are two entry points that allow access to the Community Center, continued use of the facility will not be affected by construction. At least one entrance will be available during each phase of construction.

The contract for repairs to the footbridges leading to the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park has been awarded. The contractor met with RIOC engineers this week for a kickoff meeting prior to the commencement of construction. Work is expected to be completed in sixty days, at which point the fenced-off areas of the park will be reopened to the public.

Beginning next week on December 16, 2013, construction at Motorgate will move from Section 5B South to Section 6B North. The re-striping and lighting upgrades in Section 6B North are expected to be completed January 3, 2014, at which time work will advance to Section 6C South. We thank you for your cooperation during this necessary construction.

Repair work at the West Pier is also in progress and proceeding according to schedule. The damage from Hurricane Sandy will be repaired over the next three months.

PSD Operational Audit Report

The Public Safety Department Operational Audit Report is now available for download on the RIOC website at rioc.ny.gov/PSDReport.htm. Both the Board of Directors and RIOC believe that this report will serve as a valuable tool in the reorganization of the Public Safety Department. Many of the recommendations given by the consultants have already been implemented and others are in the process of being put into practice. We all look forward to working with the community to accomplish our mutual goal of ensuring a safe and secure environment for our residents.

Contacting RIOC

Questions, comments or concerns? RIOC wants to hear from you. If you would like to contact us, you may send an mail to information@rioc.ny.gov or you may call the office at (212) 832-4540. You can also contact us through RIOC’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RIOCNY. Feel free to send us a Facebook message or use the contact form on the page to get in touch. You can also visit our Facebook page for event photos, news, announcements and more.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at RIOC – from our family to yours, we wish you a warm, safe and joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!

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WELCOME TO ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Welcome to the Roosevelt Islander Online!

Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.

The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.